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Zepbound Information

Zepbound (Tirzepatide Injection) is primarily used for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. It is typically used along with lifestyle and dietary changes. It is also used in the treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity. Tirzepatide has been shown to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Its active ingredient is tirzepatide, a dual agonist of the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors. It works by mimicking these two natural incretin hormones to regulate appetite and energy balance. Activating both receptors signals the brain to increase feelings of fullness and reduce hunger, while slowing gastric emptying to keep you feeling satisfied longer. Additionally, it improves how the body breaks down sugar and fat, which collectively leads to significant weight reduction.

With regards to obesity, this medication helps address a chronic metabolic disease where the body’s hunger signals and energy storage are often dysregulated. Zepbound helps people with obesity adhere to a reduced-calorie diet and achieve weight loss that is often difficult to sustain through lifestyle changes alone by suppressing appetite and improving insulin sensitivity. For obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which the airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, mostly due to excess soft tissue in the neck and throat, this medication helps reduce this fat buildup. As the individuals with this condition lose weight, the physical pressure on the upper airway decreases, leading to fewer breathing disruptions (apneas) and improved oxygen levels throughout the night.

Zepbound Side Effects

Like all medications, tirzepatide may cause some side effects. Some common side effects include belching, bruising, pain, or irritation at the injection site, constipation, decreased appetite, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, and mild stomach pain. Contact your doctor if these common side effects persist or worsen.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Burning, tingling, or prickling sensations of the skin;
• Depression with symptoms such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep;
• Gallbladder problems with symptoms including severe abdominal pain, yellowed eyes, and skin;
• Increased heart rate;
• Kidney failure with symptoms such as reduced urination;
• Low blood sugar with symptoms such as disorientation, confusion, excessive sweating, and fainting;
• Pancreatitis with symptoms such as abdominal pain on the upper left side and back pain

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Zepbound Precautions

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to tirzepatide or any other ingredients in Zepbound. Before using this medication, ensure you inform your doctor about any medical conditions you previously or currently have, including the following:
• Dehydration (patients should maintain adequate fluid intake to prevent kidney issues related to GI side effects);
• Depression or other mood disorders;
• Gallbladder conditions such as gallbladder inflammation and gallstones;
• Heart disease;
• Kidney disease;
• Low blood sugar;
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (a disease where people have tumors in more than one gland in their body);
• Pancreas problems, such as pancreatitis;
• Personal or family history of thyroid cancer;
• Severe bowel disease;
• Vision problems

If you are scheduled for surgery, make sure that everyone involved in your care knows about all the medications you use, including this medication. Due to delayed gastric emptying, there is an increased risk of pulmonary aspiration during general anesthesia. Current guidelines often suggest withholding the medication for a week prior to elective surgery. Zepbound is not recommended during pregnancy. Significant weight loss offers little to no benefit to a pregnant individual and may cause fetal harm. It is advised to discontinue Zepbound at least two months before a planned pregnancy to ensure the drug is cleared from the system. While it appears that only very small amounts of tirzepatide pass into breast milk, the effects on a breastfed infant are unknown. Given the lack of human safety data, it should only be used if the benefit clearly outweighs the potential risk, and many clinicians suggest avoiding it while breastfeeding. The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.

Combining Zepbound with insulin or sulfonylureas significantly increases the risk of hypoglycemia. Doses of these concomitant medications often need to be reduced. Therefore, inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines, including herbal supplements, that you are taking before starting tirzepatide to prevent potential drug interactions. Zepbound may reduce the efficacy of oral birth control pills, particularly after the first dose and after each dose escalation. It is advised to switch to a non-oral contraceptive method (like an IUD or implant) or add a barrier method for 4 weeks after initiation and each titration. Zepbound is typically administered as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin) once weekly. You can inject it under the skin of your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. It's important to rotate your injection sites each week. Avoid injecting this medication into an area of skin that is sore, red, or infected. Your healthcare provider should show you how to prepare to inject your dose of Zepbound before injecting it for the first time. If you miss a dose, take it within 4 days (96 hours). If more than 4 days have passed, skip the dose and wait for the next scheduled day. Check out the leaflet in the medication pack for more usage details. Typically, treatment starts with a low dose (2.5 mg) for four weeks to help your body adjust. The dose is then gradually increased based on your doctor's assessment and your body's response. Store this medication in the refrigerator, protect it from light, and do not allow it to freeze. Zepbound can be stored at room temperature (up to 30 degrees C or 86 degrees F) for up to 21 days, if necessary, away from sunlight. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Zepbound?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Zepbound.